How to Find Auto Body Employment
To find a job in auto body repair, you need knowledge, skills, and a drive to excel. Whether you want to work at a local shop or the flashiest dealer in the city, you need the right training and certifications in auto body repairs. Then, you’ll want to get some experience, do some research about the job market in your area, and network online and in-person to find out who’s hiring.
Train to Work in Auto Body Repair
Before you can find that first auto collision repair job, you need the skills employers expect from new hires. From pulling out dents and buffing out scratches to full panel replacements and complete paint jobs, exterior fixes are only part of what you need to understand to work in auto collision repair. Your new employer will also expect you to know car systems that might become damaged in a wreck like electrical, braking, and suspension. You need to have great welding skills and know how to diagnose vehicle damage. And you need excellent customer service skills. Some employers will also require you to have I-CAR Pro-Level 1 non-structural and refinish certifications and I-CAR steel and aluminum welding certifications. With the proper training, you can look for auto body repair employment with confidence.
Get to Know the Auto Body Job Market
Auto body employment opportunities are projected to remain steady over the next decade, with more than 15,000 openings expected each year1. Some states, like Texas, Tennessee, and New York, employ thousands of auto body repair technicians on their own2. If you’re looking for a collision repair job, check out the regional market. Do you want to find work where you are or are you willing to relocate?
You also want to consider the environment that would be a good fit for you. As an auto repair technician, you could work at an independent repair shop. You may even want to run your own shop someday. But there are also franchise dealerships that need qualified repair technicians. Maybe you love a particular car manufacturer and want to be surrounded by its makes and models every day.
Build Your Auto Body Tech Resume
Make sure you have an up-to-date resume that lists your education, training, experience, and certifications. Include the skills you mastered in school like welding, scratch and dent repair, and car restoration. Did you compete in any contests or win any awards related to the field? Be sure to mention them. It’s so easy to customize a digital resume, so don’t pass up the chance. When you pull words directly from a job posting, you’ll seem to be a perfect match for what the hiring manager wants to see.
Network Within the Auto Industry
A great way to look for jobs is to make connections with others in the industry. Start with your training program instructors. With their industry experience, they have their own network they can tap into and inquire about job openings. You can also attend local auto trade shows, expos, or antique car clubs. The people you meet may know of available opportunities or they may need someone like you to work in their shop.
Check Online Job Boards for Auto Collision Repair Jobs
Take your job search online and look for available positions through websites and job boards. Search on sites specific to automotive professionals, such as usamotorjobs.com or autojobs.com. You can also look at general job boards such as Indeed or Simply Hired. Make a LinkedIn profile and use the platform to expand your network. With a free account, you can access the LinkedIn job board, and make connections with people in your network as well as people in the automotive industry. Those connections could open doors to new opportunities.
Apply Directly to Auto Body Shops and Dealerships
How many times have you walked by a business and seen a “help wanted” sign in the window? Now it’s time to really pay attention to all the auto repair shops to see if there is a hiring sign in their windows. Many shops still rely on word-of-mouth and those old-school signs when they’re looking to hire local talent. But if you have your heart set on a dealership gig, take a shot and stop by with your resume. Even if they haven’t posted a job opening, you may walk in at just the right time.
Prep for Your Auto Repair Tech Job Interview
If you find a job online and get a call-back, don’t get nervous. You can make a good first impression with some preparation. Pull out your resume and make sure you know every word on it. Find out all you can about the company and the kinds of vehicles they regularly repair. Think about what they do and why you’d be the perfect fit in the organization. Consider asking a friend or family member to conduct a few mock interviews with you, asking you some common interview questions such as:
- Tell me about the tech skills you bring to the job.
- Why do you want to work here?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What makes you the best candidate for the job?
Your answers shouldn’t be completely rehearsed, but you should speak with confidence about your strong points and skills. When you walk into the interview, be sure to smile and shake hands with a firm grip. If you make a mistake, keep going. It won’t make or break the outcome. Dress and act professionally, but also let your personality shine. Even if you don’t get the job, you can strengthen your interview skills.
If you want to work as an auto body technician, contact Lincoln Tech today. We offer a Collision Repair and Refinishing training program that can prepare you for entry-level work in the auto industry. Our program is offered through a blended learning format for flexibility and convenience. Fill out the form to learn more.
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Automotive Body and Glass Repairers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-body-and-glass-repairers.htm (visited April 17, 2024).
2 Occupational Employment and Wages for 49-3021 Automotive Body and Related Repairers, retrieved on May 14, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493021.htm. Data last updated by BLS on April 3, 2024.